1. A Night Out! Customs and Courtesies for Military Events
Presented by: Becky Willis
2. Invitations and RSVPs Important point of protocol Respond in
the manner requested within 24-48 hours of receipt, unless a
specific date is listed Explanations of why not attending not
required Unless their name is on the invitation, do not ask to
bring them this includes children
3. Formal Event Military Personnel: Dress Blues / Mess jackets
Civilians: Ball or dance White or Black tie (men) Formal gown
(ladies) Dinner Tuxedo/bow tie (men) Long dress, blouse/skirt, or
evening slacks (ladies)
4. The Military Ball
5. Cocktail/Social Hour About an hour before receiving line
starts. Mingle Have a drink Have photos taken
6. Overview of the evening Cocktail/Social Hour Receiving Line
Find your seats Posting of the Colors Invocation Introduction of
Guests Toasts Dinner Service Guest Speaker Awards Presentation
Benediction Retiring of the Colors Formal part of night is over
Dance begins
7. Receiving Line Do not shake the Adjutants hand Ladies go
before their date Gentlemen introduce the ladies Female Soldiers
Same Sex Couples Place clutch or purse under left arm No drinks, no
cigarettes, or anything else in your hands while in the receiving
line Keep introductions short and sweet, keep the line moving.
8. Finding Your Seats Find your place card, put things in your
chair and mingle. Do not sit until head table has came in and sat
down. Do not move your place cards to sit next to a friend.
9. Posting of the Colors Everyone stands and faces the
direction Color Guard is entering. Playing of the National Anthem,
hand over heart for civilians, stand at attention for Soldiers
10. Invocation Prayer given by Chaplain White Table
Ceremony
11. Toasts Toasts are assigned prior to event and are
rehearsed, do not make your own toasts. Follow along in program for
proper response. Examples: I propose a toast to the Commander in
Chief Response: To the President I propose a toast to our Fallen
Comrades Response: Raise glass remain silent, and do not drink
Final Toast will be: I propose a toast to the Ladies Response:
(Gentlemen seat your ladies and STAY STANDING) To the Ladies
12. Dinner Service Staff will bring out dinner plates Do not
eat until head table has been served Remember proper dining
etiquette When done, place napkin on your plate to single staff
they may take your plate
13. Dinner Service
14. Guest Speaker The Guest Speaker will say a few words Stay
seated, only getting up from your table if necessary
15. Benediction Closing prayer
16. Retiring of the Colors Stand, facing the Color Guard
17. Formal portion is over, Dance begins You will be released
for the evening Option to stay for dance portion or to leave.
18. Now you know what to expect What to wear?? Tasteful Elegant
Classy Modest cut Business function
19. Can I Wear This?
20. Can I Wear This? No -To much back -To much leg
21. Can I Wear This?
22. Can I Wear This? Yes -Classy -Modest -Can wear to multiple
events
23. Can I Wear This?
24. Can I Wear This? No -Above the Knee -To much leg
25. Can I Wear This?
26. Can I Wear This? NO -To much cleavage -Low cut
27. Can I Wear This?
28. Can I Wear This? YES -Modest Cut -Floor length -Stands out
from other dresses without being to flashy
29. Can I Wear This?
30. Can I Wear This? YES -Modest Cut -Floor length -Bright
color but tastefully done
31. Can I Wear This?
32. Can I Wear This? NO -Above the knee, to short -Low cut
-Prom style dress, not formal business event